Scandal and health-afflicted congressman calls it quits - right after being re-elected

After a prolonged leave over mental illness and an ongoing FBI investigation into campaign funds, Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) has resigned, submitting a letter of resignation to House Speaker John Boehner's office today. Jackson was re-elected in his Chicago congressional district only two weeks ago.

The congressman announced that he suffers from bipolar depression last month, spending four weeks in a Mayo health clinic in Minnesota, according to CBS News.

Jackson has also been plagued by a catalogue of scandals, from his involvement with former-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to the more recent accusations of misusing campaign funds.

The congressmen allegedly used campaign funds to decorate his home and purchase a $40,000 Rolex for a female friend. The investigation, CBS News reports, has expanded to include his wife, Sandi Jackson, a Chicago alderman.

Jackson is allegedly negotiating a plea deal in the case, which could include jail time.

Illinois law dictates a special election within 115 days in the event of a congressional vacancy, so we can look forward to another Congressional race coming up soon.

Should Jackson have resigned earlier, instead of running for re-election?

To admit to having a mental illness such as being bi-polar is not an easy thing to do. One of the main symptomsof the disease is "cycling", and he probably decided to run again because he was feeling good or euphoric.The opposite of which is feeling down, and extremely depressed and unable to properly function, often sleepingmost of the time. Being a Conservative, I do not support his politics...however, I do support and wish him well.

The "informed electorate" just like you---is NOT always privy to pending legal matters. And the prosecutor (if he is doing his job right)---should not make his work "political"....So, it would make sense that the public didn't know about these investigations..

@Sonny The facts were he was under investigation for various illegal activities including being involved in Gov. Blaggo selling Obama's senate seat. To guess on the outcome would be speculation, to report about the charges and ongoing investigation is fact. Besides, anyone who followed his father's "career" would know that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree..

@LGRepublican Well his father is not him....And not only has his father not broken any laws, but it would be silly to hold Jr. responsible for anything that some one else did anyway. Finally---again...being "under investigation" is still not yet being found guilty of anything...Read your constitution and laws of this country, sir. Even you, if under investigation, are still considered "innocent until PROVEN guilty"...What you think those words only apply to some of the citizens and not everyone?

He did nothing wrong. That is Chicago's way of doing business. Ask the last two jail birds, oops former governors. You can also ask his daddy or the "Banner" himself. He will tell you the truth the hoe truth and nothing but the truth. So help me Allah

As an Illinois voter I find it highly irresponsible that he did not resign before the election. He now leaves the voters in his district without representation for 4 months, all so he could hide from federal authorities in the Mayo clinic all the while collecting his congressional salary. What a disgraceful pos. Have fun in prison Jesse and don't drop the soap.

@artjeb the more important thing is they still get a pension which is a heckuva lot more over the life than the six months. Btw does anyone know if taxpayers are on the hook for the cost of mayo clinic? Did Jackson opt out of congressional healthcare or what? What does their healthcare pay for? All I know is it was reported here in Chicago that he was going to try to sell his d.c. townhome to pay for his medical bills.

@Pragmatist no article 2 section 2 of u.s. constitution says that house of repredentatives seats will be always filled by an election either regular or special election. Now a governor may temporarily fill a u.s. Senate seat.

@mtkopf Ah, I see. Thanks for the info! I did find it weird that he was MIA for so long... but that's just typical for any politician in my mind (most notable difference Gen Petraus immediately resigned, even though he probably could have tried to fight and stay on as head of the CIA if he wanted to).

Self serving human spoils! The Chicago body politik serves no man but themselves. They prey on the rotting society they bred, like vulgar buzzing dung flies. A City no more, just a jackel on the teat of goverment entitement, no hope no more.

I think he was a good man that could not understand. Maybe the Son was more worthy than the Father. I must go insane earthly father as the Father you taught me about told me to. Just like a good Democrat Kennedy can be Killed for talking about secret societies. This one was guten heimer.